BRITISH SHEEP ‘FIRST’ TO ARGENTINA
In early April, the first shipment of ovine genetics arrived in Argentina after a gap of more than 50 years since the first British sheep were imported to the market. The breeds involved are Hampshire Down, Texel and Charollais and whilst this is a relatively modest import - comprising 600 semen doses and 150 embryos - this ‘first’ is expected to herald many more. Many partners at home and abroad worked hard to make this happen – in fact the market for UK ovine semen opened in 2020 but the beginning of the pandemic delayed efforts.
The AB Europe tank arrives in Argentina
At present only one supplier, AB Europe, is currently authorised to export from the UK to Argentina. Commenting, AB Europe CEO Geraint Thomas said: “It was great to finally get some genetics there with everyone working so hard to get it over the line. We also got a good shipment to Chile away and should have one to Paraguay away soon.” See www.abreeds.co.uk
UKECP Director Henry Lewis pictured with Argentinian Hampshire Down breeders during a technical mission four years ago
News report from the 1963 export of Hampshire Downs